From the outside looking in, people may question why anyone would ever want to exit consulting. It’s a fair question - consultants get to work with smart management teams, earn an ungodly amount of rewards points, and travel the world while staying at nice hotels.
While some are simply born to stay in the industry forever, consulting is not the end goal for all consultants. Of course, that then begs the question - when is it time to leave?
The good news is that your exit opportunities as a consultant are many. The world is your oyster. Companies across all industries love hiring people with consulting backgrounds, regardless of level or age.
If you’re a consultant wondering if your time has come to find greener pastures, this article is for you.
Reasons To Exit Consulting
Reason #1 - Your Gut is Telling You That it’s Time for a Change
While at times there are concrete reasons to leave consulting, sometimes, there is just this uneasy feeling that sits at the pit of your stomach. Something, deep down, tells you that it’s time to move on.
Careful meditation on the source of this feeling will usually lead to a root cause. These reasons may include:
- Not feeling challenged anymore
- Being tired of the traveling lifestyle and wanting more stability
- Not being able to pinpoint the last thing you learned
- Constant issues with office politics and colleagues
- Wanting work that involves building a product rather than providing business advice
The reason itself is not as important as the feeling itself. If your gut is telling you that it’s time to leave, it’s better to make the decision sooner rather than later.
Reason #2 - You Know You Have What it Takes to Leave
If you have only been a consultant for a few months, you would probably be better off staying in the industry and gathering some additional skills.
However, for the consultants out there who have been working in the industry for at least a year, it’s fair to think that you have what it takes to take on another opportunity.
After a few years in consulting, you pretty much gain the fundamental business and professional skills needed to succeed in most other jobs. In fact, you will usually be far ahead of your peers.
If you feel like you’ve gained the skills you need to succeed in other fields, we say - go for it!
Reason #3 - There is Another Passion Out There Calling You
You only have one life. It’s not worth staying in consulting for the wrong reasons like prestige or money.
If there is another passion out there calling your name - whether it’s music, entrepreneurship, or technology - you should leave. Remember that if you aren’t building your own dream, you are helping build someone else’s.
Take solace in the fun fact that John Legend is a BCG alumnus. Of course, this shouldn’t be your excuse to quit just to make a mixtape or album in a studio.
Try to find the intersection between your passions and your strongest skills and pursue that dream!
Reason #4 - You Want to Start Your Own Business
A lot of consultants start their own successful businesses. It makes sense - consultants are constantly evaluating and working with the best companies in the world. Consultants receive fast-tracked education on the ins and outs of an industry.
With this knowledge and the analytical skills gained on the job, consultants can spot holes in industries that can be filled through entrepreneurial endeavors.
Of course, the most important stopping consultants from starting their own business is not information but risk. Consultants are known to be tactful and risk-averse. That’s how they got to be consultants in the first place.
If you think there is a business idea worth pursuing and you can’t seem to make the leap into starting your own thing, we suggest starting your business on the side. It will be challenging working full time and having a side hustle, but it is a great compromise that helps you maintain a comfortable income while pursuing a passion.
Concluding Thoughts
Regardless of your reasoning, it’s not easy to exit consulting. The life is cushy and well-respected. But if any of these 4 reasons appeal to you, it’s time to pause and reflect on whether or not consulting is still a fulfilling job.
If so, great! Consulting has a lot of great things going for it - we really believe that!
But if not, we say - have confidence in your abilities and take that leap of faith. It will be worth it!